Summary: Every video you upload directly to Speakap is automatically processed so it plays smoothly for everyone, from desktop screens to older phones on slow connections. This guide explains how that processing works, what quality your source video should have, and how to share Full HD or 4K video.
How video processing works
Every uploaded video is re-encoded into MPEG H.264 video with AAC audio. Once processing is complete, the video is streamed to each viewer from our dedicated video streaming servers, which keeps loading times short and buffering to a minimum.
To give your audience access to the full range of video resolutions, your source file should match or exceed these requirements:
- Minimum bitrate: At least 3000 kbps.
- Vertical dimension: At least 720 pixels (such as standard Full HD source files).
For the maximum file sizes and supported video formats, see Guidelines for Uploading Media and Files on Speakap.
Processing order
Creating several quality versions of one video takes server time. How long it takes depends on your file size, the quality of the source clip, and how many videos are queued ahead of yours.
Videos are processed in this order:
| Processing order | Target resolution | Intended playback environment |
| Priority 1 | 720p | Standard high-definition (HD) desktop and mobile feeds. |
| Priority 2 | 480p | Standard definition for mid-tier mobile app connections. |
| Priority 3 | 240p | Ultra-compressed files optimized for low-bandwidth environments. |
You'll get a notification: You don't need to wait on the upload screen. The moment the 720p version is ready, Speakap automatically sends you a notification to let you know the video is ready for your viewers.
Sharing Full HD and 4K video
Direct video uploads to Speakap top out at 720p. If you need native Full HD (1080p) or 4K quality, share the video via an external hosting platform instead of a direct upload:
- Upload your high-resolution video to an external hosting provider like YouTube or Vimeo.
- Copy the sharing URL from that platform.
- Paste the web address directly into your Speakap update or news composer.
Speakap automatically recognizes the link, generates the player, and streams the video in its original quality inside the mobile app or browser.
Frequently asked questions
What audio and video codecs does the platform use?
All uploaded videos are converted to MPEG H.264 video with AAC audio, so they play on all iOS, Android, and web browser apps.
Why is my video taking a long time to appear?
Because several quality versions are created for each video, large files need some processing time. The time depends on your file size and how many videos are currently being processed.
Can I bypass the 720p limit for large files?
Direct uploads are capped at 720p. To share crisp 1080p or 4K video, paste a YouTube or Vimeo link directly into your post instead.
Will I be notified when my video finishes processing?
Yes. Speakap sends you a notification the moment the 720p version finishes processing, so you don't have to keep checking.
Still stuck?
Email us at support@speakap.com with the video file, your network name, and a screenshot of the error, and we'll help you out.